Quad Caucus Denounces Decision to End DACA

The Quad Caucus is disappointed in the recent decision from the Trump administration to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This decision affects 800,000 children and young adults, known as Dreamers, from diverse backgrounds across the country. Our communities are strengthened by our country’s rich diversity and the future of Dreamers and their families is threatened.

The Quad Caucus urges President Trump and Congress to stand with Dreamers and their families. Congress should take action prior to the expiration of DACA in March 2018 to protect Dreamers and their families. The following are statements from Quad Caucus leaders:

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (NJ), NHCSL Quad Caucus Chair, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL): “It is now time for all members of Congress to right this wrong through much over-due bipartisan sponsored legislation. There are more than enough votes to pass legislation and ensure that young DREAMers playing by the rules and contributing to this great nation’s progress are afforded the opportunity to remain in our country legally.”

Representative Kyle Yamashita (HI), Chair, National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators (NAPACSL): “DACA has allowed protection for over 16,000 young Asian immigrants. These immigrant children and young adults have grown, learned and contributed to their communities without fear of deportation. We call on Congress to pass legislation that protects the vulnerable and keeps families together.”

Representative Gregory Porter (IN), President, National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL): “The decision to rescind the DACA program without a legislative solution from Congress has set the stage for hundreds of thousands of children and young adults to be deported from the only country they have ever known. This is another punitive act by the Trump Administration, which will have detrimental consequences on the most vulnerable families. We also recognize that DACA has protected young people from Africa and the Caribbean who work and go to school here in the United States. Now, they too must live in constant fear of being hunted down for deportation.”

Senator John McCoy (WA), Chair, National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL): “In all of our communities we have "Dreamers" who are major contributors that benefit all. The traumatic effect of breaking families apart is something all too familiar for the American Indian community and is strongly condemned. We hope that the Congress can see the impact this may have and take immediate action.”

Representative Dan Pabon (CO), NHCSL Quad Caucus Vice-Chair: “Without these DREAMers, our nation’s economy will not benefit from the more than $460 billion in expected gross domestic product over the next decade. While this decision has a disproportional effect on the Latino community, DREAMers belong to all of us. We appreciate the support of our Quad Caucus brothers and sisters during this extremely difficult time. The demonstrated solidarity speaks volumes about our commitment to each other.”

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The mission of the Quad Caucus of state legislators is to promote equitable outcomes in all communities focusing on people of color in the areas of health, education, economic security and justice. The Quad Caucus consists of the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators (NAPACSL), the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL), and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL).